Eastenders star 'Minty' to launch charity rally for Kids’ Mobility » Communities » 24dash.com

EASTENDERS star Cliff Parisi aka 'Minty' will appear at the launch of the Scumball 3000 Rally at Arena Essex, Purfleet, on Thursday 17 April.

Just like his character's love of cars, Parisi will make an appearance to get the Scumballers on track for the annual charity drive across Europe - and meet some of the beneficiaries of this year's supported charity, Whizz-Kidz.

Sub-titled “This time it’s triball!” - the annual four-day team challenge will test drivers’ skills and agility, and must be completed in cars that cost no more than £500. However, there are no limits on the modifications entrants can do to their cars – the more outlandish, the better.

To enter, each Scumball team raises £500 for Whizz-Kidz. The money will benefit the many young disabled people the charity supports; building their independence and confidence through vital mobility equipment and wheelchair skills training.

Ashley Westpfel, Regional Fundraising Manager at Whizz-Kidz says:
“We are really excited to be the chosen charity of Scumball 3000 for 2008. The challengers’ wheels will be essential to them completing the course, and the £50k set to be raised will help many more young people get the “wheels” they need to be independent and achieve their own personal goals. It really expresses the freedom and excitement that Whizz-Kidz is all about!”

Ed White, Director of Scumball 3000 added:

“Scumball 3000 is proud to have chosen Whizz-Kidz as our nominated charity for the Triball 2008 event. With over 100 cars participating, we are hopeful that we can beat previous targets and change lives in the process. Having elected children’s charities for the previous events it was a one horse race when deciding which charity to partner us for 2008 - Whizz-Kidz met all of our criteria. We will continue year on year to give something back to charities in the UK who rely on fundraising like ours.”

The Scumball 3000 launch party takes place at Arena Essex this Thursday – with free entry. Spectators will see the cars taking part during a parade lap, as well as demonstration races from ‘Lightnin’ Rods’ and Banger cars. The Scumball challengers then make their way to Dover – the first leg on their European adventure. They return to the UK on 22 April.

For more information on Scumball 3000, visit www.scumball3000.co.uk. Whizz-Kidz website, including donation online can be found at www.whizz-kidz.org.uk.